UPDATE: New special marine warning issued for Kaua‘i Channel, leeward and northwest waters of Kaua‘i

Update at 7:06 a.m. March 11, 2026: A new special marine warning is now in effect until 8:45 a.m. today (March 11) for Kaua‘i Channel as well as leeward and northwest waters of Kaua‘i because of severe weather.

National Weather Service radar indicated at 6:44 a.m. severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts along a line extending from 8 nautical miles — or about 9 miles — east of Lehua Rock to 44 nautical miles — or nearly 51 miles — south of FAD Buoy PP and moving northeast at 15 knots — or just more than 17 mph.

The main hazards associated with these thunderstorms will be waterspouts and wind gusts of 34 knots — or nearly 40 mph — and possibly stronger.

Locations impacted include Makahuena Point, FAD Buoy KK, FAD Buoy CK, FAD Buoy PP, FAD Buoy AA, and FAD Buoy Z.

The public and all seafarers in the waters where the warning is issued should prepare for gusty winds, steep and fast-building seas and blinding downpours.

Remember: stay low or go below, and make sure all on board are wearing life jackets.

Story originally posted at 5:45 a.m. March 11, 2026: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a special marine warning until 7 a.m. for Kaua‘i Channel and leeward waters of Kaua‘i.

Radar indicated at 5:02 a.m. severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts were located along a line extending from the southern tip of Ni‘ihau to 55 nautical miles — or about 63 miles — southwest of the FAD Buoy PP and moving northeast at 20 knots — or about 23 mph.

Waterspouts and wind gusts of 34 knots — or nearly 40 mph — and stronger are possible.

Locations that will be impacted include FAD Buoy CK, Makahuena Point, Lehua Rock, FAD Buoy KK, FAD Buoy PP, southern tip of Ni‘ihau, FAD Buoy AA and FAD Buoy Z.

Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

Seafarers and the public are advised to prepare for gusty winds, steep and fast-building seas and blinding downpours.

Those on boats should remember: stay low or go below, and make sure all on board are wearing life jackets.